ParkTalk Podcast

Naperville Park District, serving a large Chicago suburb, shares stories of people passionate about health, nature, sports, community and everything related to parks and recreation.

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Send us your questions and ideas for future episodes!
Email Sameera at sluthman@napervilleparks.org or Danny at drehm@napervilleparks.org.


Selected Episodes

For a complete list of episodes, visit www.soundcloud.com/naperparks/tracks

Experiencing Change with Autumn

October 1, 2024

As the weather changes and the scenery shifts from summer green to fall yellow, ecologist Scott Kobal from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County talks about the environmental changes during nature's transition to fall.

Guest: Scott Kobal
Host: Danny Rehm

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Looking Back on a Lifetime of Dance at the Naperville Park District

September 3, 2024

Preparation for the Spring Dance Recital takes a lot of hard work. Dance Academy alumni, Mary Redgate and Ellie Laflamme, talk about their experiences dancing for the Park District and their passion for the artform.

Guest: Mary Redgate, Ellie Laflamme
Host: Danny Rehm

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Nurturing Nature: A Decade of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center

August 6, 2024

The Knoch Knolls Nature Center has been an environmental staple in the community since opening its doors in 2014. Ahead of the 10th Anniversary celebration, Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman join the podcast to discuss the Nature Center's impact on the community over the last decade.

Guest: Brad Wilson, Angelique Harshman
Host: Danny Rehm

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Growth in Naperville Golf

July 9, 2024

The game of golf has seen a boom in popularity across the country, and that surge has been felt at the Naperville Park District. Director of Golf, Kevin Carlson and Springbrook Head Golf Professional, Mike Lyzun sit down to discuss the growth of Park District golf and the golf facilities at the Naperville Park District.

Guest: Kevin Carlson, Mike Lyzun
Host: Danny Rehm

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Second Serve: Pickleball Five Years Later

June 6, 2024

In 2019, a ParkTalk Podcast series covered pickleball's popularity and health benefits. Five years later, we reexamine the sport and explore the growth in the last half decade and how the culture around pickleball can continue to change.

Guest: Brock Atwell, Kristina McGrath
Host: Danny Rehm

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Naperville Runs: Lace up and Go!

May 7, 2024

Marissa Hird from the Naperville Running Company, a partner of the Naperville Park District, talks about the partnership between the organizations, the health benefits of running, and gives tips for beginner runners.

Guest: Marissa Hird
Host: Danny Rehm

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Opening Day: Coaching the Fundamentals

April 3, 2024

Youth baseball and softball coaches, Brian Kelly and Doug Diederich, share their experiences coaching for the Naperville Park District and the importance of instilling good sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of baseball and softball.

Guest: Brian Kelly, Doug Diederich
Host: Danny Rehm

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WDSRA and Naperville Park District: A Special Partnership

March 5, 2024

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Inclusion Manager, Maddy Manden, and Naperville Park District Superintendent of Recreation, Jackie Gonzalez, join the podcast to discuss the partnership between WDSRA and Naperville Park District and the agencies' efforts to provide recreational programs to the community and create an inclusive society.

Guest: Maddy Manden, Jackie Gonzalez
Host: Danny Rehm

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S37: 2024 State of the Naperville Park District

February 1, 2024

This 6-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials with a theme of "Growing into the Future" as it pertains to District operations across the organization in addition to providing a retrospective of 2023. This is the seventh year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Host: Sameera Luthman

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Passing the Mic

January 16, 2024
ParkTalk Podcast host, Sue Omanson, has retired after 22 years with the Naperville Park District. To celebrate her career, Sue talks about the history of the ParkTalk Podcast and what she loves about the Park District all while introducing the podcast's new host, Danny Rehm.

Guest: Sue Omanson
Host: Danny Rehm, Sameera Luthman

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Remembering Fairlane Farms

December 12, 2023
Naperville resident Dick Kuhn shares stories from Fairlane Farms, where his family raised horses. Fairlane Farms Park will be developed in 2024 along with Polo Club Park as part of the new Polo Club subdivision and is named in honor of this farm that brought polo to Naperville and is part of the farming and equestrian heritage of our community.

Guest: Dick Kuhn
Host: Sue Omanson

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Take a Hike: The Benefits of Walking in Nature

October 20, 2023
Guests Kirsten Mullinax from Northshore Edward-Elmhurst Health, and Amy Phillips from The Conservation Foundation discuss the annual Take a Hike! Challenge and the benefits of walking in nature.

Guests: Kirsten Mullinax and Amy Phillips
Host: Sue Omanson

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The Rewards of Gardening

September 15, 2023
In this episode, we hear from two gardeners about the joys, challenges and surprises of the 2023 gardening season at the Naperville Park District's Garden Plots. Our guests are Priyanka, who rented a plot for the first time, and Barb, who has maintained a plot for many years and is a master gardener.

Guests: Priyanka and Barb
Host: Sue Omanson

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Summer Camp Reflections

August 17, 2023
Day camp staff leaders Cori and George reflect on the summer day camp experience, noting kids' creativity, fun memories and strengths of the program.

Guests: George and Cori
Host: Sue Omanson

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Senior Softball Legends

June 30, 2023
Two 89-year-old ball players from the Naperville Park District's Over 50 Softball League explain why they love the game and what keeps them coming back year after year.

Guests: Toru Fugii and Chris Argianas
Host: Sue Omanson

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Naperville's Unique Centennial Beach

May 24, 2023

Learn what makes Naperville's Centennial Beach a favorite summer destination. Two staff members familiar with Beach operations explain how it is unique and why people love it.

Guests: Andrea Coates and Brett Sprague
Host: Sue Omanson

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S34 Episode 03: Science-based Careers in Parks

April 28, 2023

Ben Palczynski, Park Specialist II with the Naperville Park District, tells how his career has given him flexibility and the opportunity to apply his knowledge of horticulture in his daily work.

Guest: Ben Palczynski
Host: Sue Omanson

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S34 Episode 02: Careers for New Graduates

April 12, 2023

Marissa Kula, a Naperville Park District staff member, tells how a part-time position in customer service at the Park District opened doors to new career opportunities for her in the field of parks and recreation.

Guest: Marissa Kula
Host: Sue Omanson

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S34 Episode 01: Internships

March 21, 2023

Brad Wilson, executive director of the Naperville Park District, recalls highlights of his internship, which began his career at the District over 24 years ago, and he shares advice for college students currently seeking internships.

Guest: Brad Wilson
Host: Sue Omanson

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S33: 2023 State of the Naperville Park District

February 1, 2023

This 5-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials with a theme of "Sustainability" as it pertains to District operations across the organization in addition to providing a retrospective of 2022. This is the sixth year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Host: Sameera Luthman

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S32 Episode 02: Lifelong Fitness in All Seasons

January 13, 2023

Diana, a fitness member and part-time customer service representative at Fort Hill Activity Center, recounts her fitness journey from her early years as a teacher to her current life as a retiree.

Guest: Diana Cramer
Host: Sue Omanson

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S32 Episode 01: Sustainable Fitness for a Healthy Life

December 16, 2022

Melissa, a fitness member and part-time fitness attendant at Fort Hill Activity Center, explains how she overcame injuries and finds joy in pursuing her current fitness goals.

Guest: Melissa Olivares
Host: Sue Omanson

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S31 Episode 03: Spring Blooms

December 29, 2022

Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, describes the earliest signs of spring growth in our Northern Illinois trees, from the greening of the willow twigs to the blooms of the crabapple trees.

Guest: Ed Hedborn
Host: Sue Omanson

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S31 Episode 02: Invaders in our Natural Areas

November 1, 2022

Two Naperville Park District staff members explain what invasive trees and shrubs are and why it's important to remove them from natural areas to promote a healthy ecosystem.

Guest: Peggy Motta and Jesse Barr
Host: Sue Omanson

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S31 Episode 01: Fall Colors

October 14, 2022

Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum and author of the Arboretum's Fall Color Report, explains some of the factors behind the timing and variations in color of our fall foliage.

Guest: Ed Hedborn
Host: Sue Omanson

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S30 Episode 04: Work and Play at the Golf Courses

September 26, 2022  

Kevin Carlson, director of golf at the Naperville Park District, talks about the opportunities available for retirees to work as well as play golf at Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses.

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S30 Episode 03: A Dramatic Recovery Leads to an Active Retirement

August 31, 2022

Jim, a fitness attendant at Fort Hill Fitness and a former executive in a large corporation tells of how he survived a major health crisis and is now enjoying an active retirement.  

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S30 Episode 02: Finding a Fun Retirement Job

August 19, 2022

After a 40-year career in the health care field, Don retired and then found not just one, but several fun, part-time jobs at the Naperville Park District. In this episode, he explains how these different jobs have enriched his life.  

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S30 Episode 01: Volunteering in Retirement

July 25, 2022

Former business owner Marty Ceranek tells how he successfully transitioned to retirement and why he enjoys volunteering at the Naperville Park District.  

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S29 Episode 04: Meet Our Volunteer Beekeeper

July 5, 2022

Volunteer beekeeper Joe Bourassa explains how to help honey bees thrive and shares his passion for insects, their wellbeing and their importance to our ecosystem.

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S29 Episode 03: Digging in to Beautify Parks

June 1, 2022

Two park staff members tell how volunteers provide invaluable help in taking care of natural areas, keeping Riverwalk flowers blooming, and helping the Park District maintain parks across the community.

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S29 Episode 02: The Rewards of Coaching

May 5, 2022

Parent volunteers Chris and Kelly, who are coaching 3 soccer teams this season, tell why they love coaching their kids' teams and how others can get involved.

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S29 Episode 01: A Fresh Look at our Volunteer Program

April 11, 2022

Meet our new volunteer and events manager, Becca Krzyszkowski, and learn about the many ways to get involved as a volunteer in parks and recreation.

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S28 Episode 02: Team Gymnastics

March 14, 2022

Gymnastics coordinator Karen Schmidt tells how young gymnasts enjoy the Naperville Park District's in-house team experience, making friends and gaining confidence while they learn the basics of competition in this popular sport.  

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S28 Episode 01: A New Life at 90

March 1, 2022

Fitness participant Louise shares her experience of moving to Naperville in 2020 in her late 80s and fitting in as a participant in the popular group exercise classes at Fort Hill Activity Center with others half her age.  

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S27 The 2022 State of the Naperville Park District Address

February 2, 2022

The 2022 State of the Naperville Park District Address includes seven episodes covering a variety of topics on the theme, “Rebuilding and Renewing.” Director of Marketing and Communications Sameera Luthman interviews Park Board President Marie Todd, Executive Director Brad Wilson, the four new commissioners who were elected in 2021 and other Park District staff.

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S26 Episode 04: Volunteer Stewardship

January 21, 2022  

Volunteer and retired teacher David Cleveland shares stories from decades of environmental projects with children and adults and his nature experiences while running locally and internationally.  

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S26 Episode 03: Winter Wildlife

December 13, 2021

Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman gives insight into the needs and habits of common animals and birds that overwinter in northern Illinois, where to see them, bird feeding tips, and how to look for animal tracks in the snow.

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S26 Episode 02: Protecting and Appreciating Fireflies

November 22, 2021

Dr. Doug Taron, biologist and Chief Curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Museum, discusses the unique characteristics of fireflies and how to appreciate and protect them.

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S26 Episode 01: Sustainability on a Local Level

November 9, 2021

Ben Mjolsness, the City of Naperville's first Sustainability Coordinator, discusses the City's opportunities for working with local partners to make progress in saving energy, reducing waste and conserving our natural environment on a local level.

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S25 Episode 03: A Creative Expansion of the Disc Golf Course

October 7, 2021

John Teper and Spencer Huard explain the latest improvements to the disc golf course at Knoch Knolls Park and why they enjoy the sport and this location.  

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S25 Episode 02 – Driving a Cleaner, Greener Fleet

September 13, 2021

Lee Meyer, a fleet technician for the Naperville Park District, explains the latest improvements that make the District's vehicles and equipment cleaner, greener, safer and more efficient.    

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S25 Episode 031 Everyday Inventions for Better Parks

August 20, 2021

John Teper, one of the park operations managers for the Naperville Park District, shares some of the innovations that staff has developed to solve everyday problems. These include a dust shield for a baseball field groomer, a paint mixing station, floating islands of native plants in ponds and more.  

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S24 Episode 03: Healthy Minds for Senior Adults

July 28, 2021

Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Sachin Bhalerao explains the challenges of isolation for older adults and offers hope and practical advice for those recovering from mental illnesses that may have developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discusses the importance of structure and social contact in maintaining a healthy mind in both good and bad times.  

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S24 Episode 02: Boosting Mental Wellness

July 14, 2021

Gina Sharp, President and CEO of Linden Oaks Behavior Health, comments on the mental health pandemic that has occurred with COVID-19 and gives tips for returning to work, coping with stress, connecting with nature and getting the rest we need.

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S24 Episode 01: Kids, Stress and Mental Health

June 24, 2021

KidsMatter is a local nonprofit working to empower kids to realize their purpose, know their value and find their pathway. Executive Director and CEO Nina Menis describes the community resources available to help youth cope with anxiety and emerge stronger from the pandemic.  

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S23 Episode 02: Gold Star Families Memorial

May 25, 2021

Jennifer Slown and Lew Breese describe the future Gold Star Families Memorial planned for Veterans Park in Naperville, why it's important and how others can help.  

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S23 Episode 01: Pull-Up Bars for Patriots

May 13, 2021

Gregg Kantz, founder of the nonprofit organization, Pull-Up Bars for Patriots, explains why he wants to honor fallen service members by installing pull-up bar memorials in parks. So far, two memorials are installed: one in Wheaton and the newest one in Naperville at Wolf's Crossing Community Park.  

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S22 Episode 04: Wildflower Walks

April 28, 2021

Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman takes us on a spring wildflower walk in the woods at Knoch Knolls Park. Learn about what to look for and what makes these flowers unique. Bluebells and mayapples at Knoch Knolls Park.

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S22 Episode 03: Appreciating Monarch Butterflies

April 7, 2021

Pat Miller, a master naturalist, master gardener and conservation specialist, tells the story of the monarch butterfly, its amazing migration to and from Mexico, its plight and how everyone can help. Photo taken at the Idea Gardens at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, Naperville Park District. Photo by Ron Ory.

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S22 Episode 02: Bird Watching

March 16, 2021

Steve Constantelos and Joe Suchecki from the DuPage Birding Club talk about birdwatching in the Naperville area and how to get started.  

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S22 - Episode 01: Trail Running in Winter

March 2, 2021

Bob Langerveld, an experienced runner, member of the Chicago Area Runners Association and staff member of Naperville Running Company, shares tips for running outdoors in winter and why he enjoys it.  

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S21 The 2021 State of the Naperville Park District Address

January 29, 2021

This 5-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans.    

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S20 Episode 03 Virtual Fitness

January 25, 2021

Fitness instructors Karen Moranchek and Mary Sullivan and participant Kathy Leis discuss the challenges and benefits of group fitness classes on Zoom, and how virtual classes help keep us healthy during a pandemic and beyond.

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S20 Episode 01 Big Moves

December 1, 2020

Instructor Maura Connor and participant Hugh Flanders discuss a new class, BIG Moves, that helps those diagnosed with Parkinson's.

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S19 Episode 04 Spotlight on Golf

November 10, 2020

Golfer Jon Lee and his daughter, Abby, tell how golfing enriched their lives this summer during the pandemic. Director of Golf Kevin Carlson reflects on the growth of golf at Naperville Park District's two courses and the challenges of operating during COVID-19.

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S19 Episode 03 Special Recreation - A Vital Connection

October 12, 2020

Recreation Superintendent Ted Adatto from Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) tells how special recreation programs are helping individuals with disabilities to reconnect with their community during the pandemic.

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S19 Episode 02 - Tennis in the Pandemic

September 14, 2020

Tennis program coordinator Meredith Pollack explains why tennis is a great sport to play or try for the first time during the pandemic.

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S19 Episode 01 - Rotary Hill and the Paddleboat Quarry

August 21, 2020

Rotary Hill and the Paddleboat Quarry have become an oasis in the pandemic. Ray McGury tells how the new Midday Spray came about, and we talk with families enjoying the water at these favorite locations.

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S18 Episode 04 - Naper Settlement's Future Agricultural Center

August 8, 2020

Guests Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, Donna Sack and Jeanne Schultz Angel explain how the new agricultural center will help tie farming from the past to agriculture of today and tomorrow.  

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S18 Episode 03 - Life on the Wolf Farm

July 16, 2020

Guests Ginny Wolf Chivas, Jerry Kuhn and Ed Kuhn recall life on Ginny's grandparents' farm in the 1950s and 60s in Naperville.  

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S18 Episode 02 - Yackley Farm

July 2, 2020

Norma Yackley Yeates shares her experiences growing up on a farm in Naperville from the 1930s to early 1950s and Ginny Wolf Chivas adds her perspective as a lifelong friend of Norma's and member of a farm family with a 170-year history in Naperville.

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S18 Episode 01 - Wagner Farms

June 11, 2020

Guest Pam White, former owner of Wagner Farms in Naperville, Illinois, recalls growing up on the farm, favorite memories, and lessons that apply to suburban life today.

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S17 Episode 03 - Water Quality in our Streams: A County Perspective

May 28, 2020

Mary Beth Falsey, water quality supervisor at DuPage County Stormwater Management, discusses county-wide programs and projects to improve water quality in our rivers and streams.

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S17 Episode 02 - What Makes a River Healthy?

May 13, 2020

Jennifer Hammer, director of watershed programs and ecological restoration for The Conservation Foundation, explains regional efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the DuPage River, mentioning both success stories and challenges.

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S17 Episode 01 - Healthy Shoreline, Healthy River

April 23, 2020

Project Manager Peggy Motta explains how native plants along the river shoreline prevent erosion and protect water quality, provide habitat for pollinators, discourage Canada geese from nesting along the shoreline, and provide a beautiful place to enjoy.  This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River

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S16 - Episode 02: Stories from the Classroom

April 6, 2020

Preschool teachers and program managers explain the basic units of the new preschool curriculum and share success stories from the classroom. This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose.

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S16 - Episode 01: The "Why" Behind our New Preschool Curriculum

March 23, 2020

Preschool teachers and program managers share their excitement about a new curriculum that helps kids learn and thrive.This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose.

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S15 The 2020 State of the Naperville Park District Address

March 11, 2020

This 6-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. This is the third year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications.

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S14 Episode 03: Drop-In Painting Group Nurtures Creativity

January 2, 2020

Three members of a drop-in painting group talk about the creative process and how this group nurtures their art.This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits

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S14 Episode 02: Floral Artwork in the Parks

December 10, 2019

Listen to what goes into planning the beautiful floral displays at the Naperville Riverwalk and the wildflower gardens in Park District's natural areas, and why staff enjoys designing these ever-changing works of art in the parks.

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S14 Episode 01: Zumba for Creativity and Energy

November 22, 2019

Zumba teacher Temeka tells how she discovered Zumba dancing and how it transformed her life and fosters creativity, energy and social connections for her students.

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S13 Episode 02: From Our Veterans

November 4, 2019

Wayne Fischer, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois American Legion, Joe Strebel, Naperville's American Legion Post 43 historian, and Lew Breeze, past commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 explain the history behind our veterans organizations and how people can continue to support our service men and women.

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S13 Episode 01: Healing Field Stories

October 23, 2019

Go behind the scenes of Naperville's 2019 Healing Field of Honor with Dave Wentz, Marty Walker and Sue Liston, who tell stories of what moves them to orchestrate this community event to honor and support veterans and active duty service men and women.

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S12 Episode 04: A Meditation – Releasing Tension

October 9, 2019

This is a meditation led by yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg that you can use at home or wherever you can listen and relax for about 9 minutes.

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S12 Episode 03: A Meditation – Start Your Day With Gratitude

October 9, 2019

This is a meditation led by yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg that you can use at home or wherever you can listen and relax for about 9 minutes.

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S12 Episode 02: Yoga Meditations - Introduction

October 9, 2019

Experienced yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg explains the benefits of meditation and how to begin. This is an introduction to Episodes 03 and 04, which are meditations that you can use.

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S12 Episode 01: Health Benefits of Yoga

September 19, 2019

Physical therapist and yoga instructor Dr. Allison Mitch discusses some of the many benefits of yoga both for the general population and for those with medical conditions or special needs.

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S11 Episode 04: Commissioners as Volunteers-Josh McBroom

September 4, 2019

Park Commissioner Josh McBroom, the newest member of the Park Board, explains why he chose to run and what he looks forward to over the next four years.

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S11 Episode 03: Commissioners as Volunteers - Mike Reilly

August 22, 2019

Park Commissioner Mike Reilly reflects on his ten years on the Park District Board, what he learned, what the District has accomplished, and why he encourages others to consider running for office in the future.

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S11 Episode 02: Theater Crew: Part of the Family

August 9, 2019

Volunteer Donna Kent, who creates costumes for Magical Starlight Theatre, tells why she loves being part of the musical theater productions each year and how others can get involved.

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S11 Episode 01: Coaching Kids Sports

July 26, 2019

Volunteer coach Bryan Duncan gives tips for youth sports coaches and explains why he has loved coaching multiple teams over the past 10+ years.

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S10 Episode 04: Why Players Love Pickleball – A Social Sport

July 15, 2019

Local pickleball player and organizer Jim Wehrli explains the social benefits of the game and how beginners can get involved.

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S10 Episode 03: Why Players Love Pickleball – A Healthy Sport

June 28, 2019

Physical therapist Mary Rachford and occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas explain health benefits of pickleball and why they enjoy playing.

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S10 Episode 02: Play Pickleball at the Naperville Park District

June 13, 2019

Program Manager Brock Atwell describes the growth of pickleball in Naperville, where beginners can play, and new courts planned for the future.

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S10 Episode 01: Chicago Pickleball Open

May 31, 2019

Ken Herrmann, executive director of Chicago Metro Pickleball, talks about the first Chicago-area pickleball tournament coming July 16-21 to Naperville and why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation.

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S9 Episode 03: Fun and Fitness at the Riverwalk

May 2, 2019

Naperville Park District staff members Jackie Gonzalez and Brad Wilson highlight favorite summer activities and what's new in 2019 at the Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, Paddleboat Quarry and Millennium Carillon.

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S9 Episode 02: Outdoor Fitness in Parks

April 10, 2019

Guests Kristina McGrath and Mike Piszynski discuss the outdoor fitness opportunities that Naperville Park District offers currently and will offer in the near future. Kristina explains how to use the fitness stations at 3 parks and previews a new outdoor fitness class coming this spring. Mike talks about the fitness area, challenge course and multi-purpose hill planned for the new park opening in 2020.

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S9 Episode 01: Playgrounds

March 25, 2019

Learn about what goes into the design and construction of playgrounds in our public parks, and take a quick audio visit to a playground to hear what a parent has to say.

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S8 Episode 03: Keep Sharp with Table Tennis

March 11, 2019

Table tennis players explain why they enjoy and benefit from weekly games at the local table tennis club.

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S8 Episode 02: Fencing for Fun and Fitness

March 1, 2019

Coach Peter Habala, five-time national champion from Team Romania, explains the challenges of fencing and why it's great both for adults and kids.

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S8 Episode 01: Beginning Ballet as an Adult

February 14, 2019

Three adult ballet students talk about the fun and benefits of beginning ballet as an adult.

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S7 The 2019 State of the Naperville Park District Address

February 1, 2019

This 6-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. This is the second year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications. Listen now to the 2019 State of the Naperville Park District.

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S6 Episode 02: Partnering to End Hunger

December 14, 2018

Nancy Wiersum from Loaves and Fishes and Brad Wilson from Naperville Park District discuss the impact of donations like garden fresh produce and pumpkin pies on ending hunger in our community.

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S6 Episode 01: Giving Gardens

December 14, 2018

Giving Gardens Master Gardener Jan Gricus talks about the joys and challenges of growing vegetables at our community gardens and how donations of produce bring nutritious food to families in need.

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S5 Episode 06: 3 Stories of How the Park District can Help Students Beat Stress

November 28, 2018

Three high school students explain how their workouts or dance activities at the Naperville Park District benefit them and relieve stress.

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S5 Episode 05: Address the Stress

November 14, 2018

KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez returns to talk about 3 initiatives to help students beat stress: free online tutoring, a digital leader program and a job fair for high school and college students.

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S5 Episode 04: State of the Kids

October 19, 2018

KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez reports the results of an eye-opening survey of youth stress and new resources to help kids and parents recognize and deal with stress in a healthy way.

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S5 Episode 03: Nature Play for Young Children

October 5, 2018

Knoch Knolls Nature Center staff talk about a new program for young children and other ways for families to enjoy nature.

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S5 Episode 02: Nature Therapy

September 12, 2018

Physical therapist Allison Mitch discusses health benefits of spending time in nature for both adults and children.

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S5 Episode 01: Health and the Park District Mission

August 31, 2018

Physical therapist Allison Mitch discusses health benefits of spending time in nature for both adults and children.

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S4 Episode 05: WellFit for Balance and Strength

August 14, 2018

Occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas describes the benefits for seniors of her WellFit Seated Strength Training and Better Balance and Core classes at the Naperville Park District.

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S4 Episode 04: Riverwalk Adult Day Services

July 31, 2018

Executive Director Laura Milligan of Riverwalk Adult Day Services explains how providing a safe, social, stimulating environment for adults of all ages in need of daytime care benefits participants and their caregivers.

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S4 Episode 03: Wood Carving

July 23, 2018

Award-winning wood carver Shelly Weiser tells how he began carving at age 75, learned from a master carver and teaches adults/kids at the Naperville Park District.

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S4 Episode 02: Ride Assist Naperville

July 11, 2018

Guest Karen Courney explains a new transportation service available for Naperville seniors--how it works, her hopes for expanding in the future and opportunities to support this valuable and successful program.

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S4 Episode 01: Fitness, Fun, Friends and Learning for Adults 50

June 25, 2018

Program Manager Lorraine Ouellette invites adults 50 and up to enjoy free or low-cost activities, classes and resources that can lead to better health, fitness, social connections and lifelong learning.

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